Date

Author

Metadata

Abstract

Snakebite envenoming by viperid species, and by some elapids, is characterized by a complex pattern of
tissue damage at the anatomical site of venom injection. In severe cases, tissue destruction may be so
extensive as to lead to permanent sequelae, with serious pathophysiological, social and psychological
consequences. Significant advances have been performed in the study of venom-induced tissue damage,
including identification and characterization of the toxins involved, insights into the mechanisms of
action of venoms and toxins, and study of tissue responses to venom-induced injury. Nevertheless, much
remains to be known and understood on the pathogenesis of these alterations. This review focuses on
some of the pending issues in the topic of snake venom-induced local tissue damage. The traditional
‘reductionist’ approach, which has predominated in the study of snake venoms and their actions, needs
to be complemented by more integrative and holistic perspectives aimed at capturing the complexity of
these pathological alterations. Future advances in the study of these topics will certainly pave the way for
innovative therapeutic interventions, with the goal of reducing the impact of this aspect of snakebite
envenoming.